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Pole lima beans are vigorous plants that do best when grown on trellises. They are fast growing and produce beans which can be used fresh or dried.

Latin Name

Phaseolus lunatus


Family

Fabaceae


Also Known As

Butter bean


Type of Plant

Annuals Annuals
Vegetables Vegetables

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 10'
Max spread Max Spread: 3'

Uses

  • Annual
  • Edible
  • Vegetable

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    Native Range

    South America


    History

    George Washington sent a letter to Anthony Whitting in February of 1793 regarding lima beans that Mrs. Washington wanted the gardener to plant.


    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Fruit Garden & Nursery Lower Garden Pioneer Farm Upper Garden

  • Fruit Garden & Nursery
  • Lower Garden
  • Pioneer Farm
  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

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    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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